We call your attention to the top 10 safest cars that you can buy right now.
Why are cars getting safer?
Thanks to the introduction of the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) in 1997 and the launch of Euro NCAP safety ratings, 78,000 lives were saved.
Euro NCAP rating systems have encouraged automakers to produce safer cars. However, when the test results were first presented to the public, they caused a lot of controversy among carmakers.
- manufacturers complained that Euro NCAP tests were too strict
- they claimed that it was simply impossible to get high scores
- some popular models of the time, including the Rover 100, Fiat Punto and Nissan Micra, scored only two stars at the end of the tests
Safer cars and cheaper insurance
Safety ratings can also affect the cost of insurance.
- As of 2014, new cars must be equipped with the Autonomous Emergency Braking system (AEB) in order to score the maximum number of points in Euro NCAP safety tests.
- insurers believe that cars with AEB are less likely to get into accidents, as studies have shown that AEB reduces the risk of accidents by 27%
What is the safest car I can buy?
This rating was released in January 2020. It includes cars of different classes, so we chose “high achievers” in each class.
The following is a summary of the safety rating, based on an assessment in four categories: adult protection (driver and adult passengers), child passenger protection, pedestrian protection, and safety devices category, which assesses driver assistance and crash avoidance systems. The results are given as a percentage.
The safest compact family cars
Mercedes-Benz-CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA scored more than 90 percent of the points in three of the four safety categories and showed the best result in the rating.
The four-door Mercedes-Benz CLA received 96% for the protection of adult passengers, 91% for the protection of child passengers, 77% for the protection of pedestrians, and 75% for active safety systems.
“The autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) has performed well in tests of functionality at low speeds, typical for driving in the city, when there are many whiplash injuries. At the same time, in all test scenarios, collisions were avoided or mitigated.”
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 came in second with 98% of the points for adult passenger protection, 87% for child passenger protection, 81% for pedestrian protection, and 73% for active safety systems.
The Mazda 3 received the highest score for adult passenger safety in the subcompact category.
“The standard Autonomous Emergency Braking system (AEB), known as the “safe braking system”, has performed well in tests of functionality at low speeds, typical for driving in the city, when there are many whiplash injuries.”
The safest SUVs
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X received 98% for adult passenger protection, 81% for child passenger protection, 72% for pedestrian protection, and 94% for active safety systems. This car shared first place with the BMW 3 Series.
“Tests have shown that the front seats and head restraints provide decent protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a car collision while reversing.”
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series shares first place in this category with the Tesla Model X. BMW showed the best results in terms of pedestrian safety, but Tesla distinguished itself in the field of active safety. BMW scored 97% for adult passenger protection, 87% for child passenger protection, 87% for pedestrian protection, and 76% for active safety systems.
“The car scored the maximum number of points according to the results of the side crash tests, demonstrated good protection of all critical parts of the body both when hitting the barrier and in a more serious side collision with a pole.”
Seat Tarraco
The Tarraco received 97% for adult passenger protection, 84% for child passenger protection, 79% for pedestrian protection, and 79% for active safety systems. The car demonstrated good protection of all critical body parts both when hitting the barrier and in a more serious side collision with a pole. Here, the Tarraco scored the maximum number of points.
The safest electric car and hybrid
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 scored 96% for adult passenger protection, 86% for child passenger protection, 74% for pedestrian safety, and 94% for active safety systems. The Tesla Model 3 received one of the highest scores in the Safety Assist category during NCAP crash tests.
“Tests have shown that the front seats and head restraints provide decent protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a car collision while reversing.”
The safest small-class SUV/minivan
Subaru Forester
According to the results of Euro NCAP crash tests, the Subaru Forester scored 97% for adult passenger protection, 91% for child passenger protection, 80% for pedestrian safety and 78% for active safety systems.
“Tests have shown that the front seats and head restraints provide decent protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a car collision while reversing.”
The safest compact SUVs
The safest B-class car
Audi A1
According to the results of crash tests, the car received 95% for safety of adult passengers, 85% for safety of child passengers, 73% for safety of pedestrians and 80% for active safety systems. The car took first place in the category of the safest B-class cars along with the Renault Clio.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio scored 96% for adult passenger protection, 89% for child passenger protection, 72% for pedestrian protection, and 75% for active safety systems. The Clio has been among the most popular and sought-after hatchbacks in Europe for many years. It is on par with the Audi A1.
Ford Puma
According to NCAP crash tests, the Ford Puma received 94% for adult passenger protection, 84% for child passenger protection, 77% for pedestrian protection, and 74% for active safety systems. It is said that this newcomer, along with the Clio and Audi A, deserves exceptional praise for its uncompromising stance on safety.
